COWPAR'S CONFLICT

MYSTERIOUS WAYS

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God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.

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Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs

And works His sovereign will.

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Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy and shall break

In blessings on your head.

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Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

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His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

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Blind unbelief is sure to err

And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

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William Cowpar

William Cowpar was a poet and hymn writer of the 18th. century whose literary output influenced other literary notables such as Wordsworth, Coleridge and Austen. While studying law he became mentally ill and attempted suicide and was taken to an asylum at St. Albans. During his rehabilitation there he experienced a conversion to Christ which altered the future course of his life. He later became friendly with the ex slave trader John Newton and together they produced the Olney Hymns (1779) from which God Moves In Mysterious Ways is taken. The hymn is reputed to be the last he wrote before his death and the story behind it is very dramatic. Throughout his life Cowpar battled with depression and doubt and on this particular evening he decided to commit suicide by drowning himself. He called a cab and told the driver to take him to the Thames River. However, thick fog came down and prevented them from finding the river . After driving around lost for a while, the cabby finally stopped and let Cowper out. To Cowper’s surprise, he found himself on his own doorstep: God had sent the fog to keep him from killing himself. Even in our blackest moments, God watches over us. ~GOSh.~